The Aakhya Weekly #137 | International Women's Day Special: Gendered Realities of India’s Digital Divide
In Focus: She Deserves a Seat at the Digital Table
by Lovenish Kumar, Yashvika Malhan, and Mohini Tiwari
India is going through a profound digital transformation, given how technology has become more deeply woven into the society’s fabric and everyday life. With over 1.2 billion mobile phone users and close to 700 million internet users, the country has emerged as one of the world’s largest digital markets, according to NITI Aayog. Initiatives like Digital India have accelerated this transformation, driving economic growth, enhancing service delivery, and bridging gaps in education and healthcare. However, as India becomes more digitally connected, challenges such as data privacy, cybersecurity threats, digital literacy, and equitable access continue to arise.
Amid this countrywide tech boom, however, a significant section of the population—women—remains digitally excluded. Despite substantial advances in digital infrastructure, the gender divide in access to technology, digital literacy, and online safety remains a persistent barrier to women’s full participation in the digital economy. Many women still lack access to smartphones, face cultural restrictions on digital engagement, and deal with safety concerns that prevent them from engaging in the digital space. This digital divide not only limits their economic opportunities but reinforces existing gender inequalities, hindering their ability to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s digital growth story.
Access to Technology
Firstly, while technology is becoming ubiquitous, access remains a significant barrier for women, particularly in rural India. Intermittent Internet access in 68% of rural areas, as highlighted by the Digital Empowerment Foundation, makes digital engagement unreliable and limits women's participation in the digital economy. Mobile phone ownership is also skewed, with the 2023 GSMA Mobile Gender Gap Report revealing that rural women in India are 40% less likely than men to own a mobile phone. However, access is only part of the problem. Even when women have digital devices, their autonomy over usage is often restricted, with decision-making controlled by male family members.
Sociocultural norms deepen this divide. Many rural households still view technology as a male domain, preventing women from engaging independently with digital tools. Government initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA), which aims to enhance digital literacy in six crore rural households, have attempted to bridge this gap. However, infrastructural limitations and ingrained cultural barriers often undermine these efforts, highlighting the need for more targeted and inclusive strategies.
Digital Literacy
While access to technology is a critical first step, digital literacy is where the real challenge lies. Many women, particularly in rural and low-income communities, lack the skills to navigate digital platforms effectively. Secondly, this gap limits their ability to access information, participate in online education, engage in financial transactions, or leverage e-governance services. The National Sample Survey (2021) highlights this stark gap, revealing that only 22% of women in rural India are digitally literate, compared to 47% of men.
The implications of this digital literacy gap extend even into spheres like women's entrepreneurship. Many women, particularly in tier 2 and tier 3 cities, struggle to scale their businesses due to limited digital marketing knowledge and online visibility. Despite Indian women accounting for 20-25% of business ownership in the country, less than 2% of women-led enterprises secure funding (WEF, 2023).
On the policy front, interventions such as PMGDISHA and Digital India aim to enhance digital literacy, however, they often take a broad-brush approach, overlooking the unique challenges faced by women. For instance, PMGDISHA’s training modules are not always tailored to the specific needs of women, such as balancing household responsibilities or accessing training in safe and accessible environments. Successful models like Mahila E-Haat, an initiative by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, offer a digital platform where women can showcase and sell their products, bridging market linkages for women-led businesses. This initiative illustrates how targeted digital training can empower women entrepreneurs. However, for such programs to be truly effective, they need broader outreach, a stronger emphasis on regional languages, flexible learning schedules, and robust digital safety training.
Unsafe Spaces
In the first four months of 2024, more than 740,000 complaints were filed on India’s National Cybercrime Reporting Portal, with the numbers steadily climbing. This surge in reported incidents paints a grim picture of the growing threat of cybercrime, particularly for women. In a country where physical spaces remain unsafe for women, the digital space is proving to be just as hostile—if not more so.
While digital platforms have revolutionised access to opportunities, they have also exposed women to a new wave of dangers. Cyberstalking, harassment, and data breaches (just to name a few) create a digital environment that is inhospitable to women. From deep fakes to AI-generated impersonations, women are more vulnerable than ever to online abuse and exploitation. Globally, 38% of women have personally experienced online harassment, with nearly 90% choosing to limit their online activity as a result.
In urban contexts, digital dating spaces present a paradox for women. Apps like Bumble, Tinder, and Grindr have offered greater autonomy but also exposed users to significant risks, including doxxing, online harassment, and fake profiles. A survey conducted by Tinder in Hyderabad revealed that 65% of young people do not know how to give, ask, or withdraw their consent, fearing it will ‘kill the mood’ while dating. The situation is even more precarious for transgender women, who often experience heightened discrimination and exclusion on mainstream dating platforms.
While tools like the Cyber Crime Prevention against Women and Children (CCPWC) portal exist, their effectiveness is limited by lack of awareness, accessibility, and the growing complexity of AI-based threats.
Access, Awareness, and Agency
The issue is disproportionately skewed. Without access to digital tools, women can't build the skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly digitising world. And when they do have access, they are often the most vulnerable and unsafe online. While the government is trying to address these challenges, it is unclear whether these efforts are enough. Bridging the digital divide for women in India requires a comprehensive policy approach that tackles structural, economic, and social barriers.
For real progress, women need the 3 A’s: Access, Awareness, and Agency. Access means ensuring affordable and reliable internet connectivity and digital devices, especially for women in rural and marginalised communities. Awareness involves delivering gender-sensitive digital literacy programs, incorporating flexible schedules, local language instruction, and practical training in online safety. Agency means empowering women through targeted mentorship, dedicated funding for digital entrepreneurship, and their active participation in shaping digital policies.
India’s challenge is unique. With a population exceeding 1.4 billion, scaling these initiatives while tackling entrenched socio-cultural norms is no small feat. Yet, this challenge is not insurmountable. India’s digital revolution holds immense potential, and unless it brings everyone along, it risks creating a new kind of inequality.
Top Stories of the Week
India and Nepal Strengthen WASH Cooperation
India and Nepal have recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation in the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector. This crucial agreement was formalised on March 3, 2025, with both nations committing to addressing essential challenges in water resource management, sanitation, and waste management.
The MoU outlines several strategic areas, including capacity building through specialised training for Nepali personnel and technology and knowledge transfer to foster efficiency. Moreover, both nations emphasised the need for a joint approach to groundwater management and effective waste management solutions to promote sustainability. This collaboration signifies a vital step towards sustainable development, aiming to improve public health and environmental conditions while reinforcing diplomatic ties between India and Nepal. The initiative reflects both countries’ dedication to working together for a cleaner and healthier future.
Trump’s Tariff Move Sparks Diplomatic Push from India
The Indian government was compelled to take swift action after U.S. President Donald Trump announced reciprocal tariffs on multiple nations, including India. In his address, President Trump criticised the tariffs imposed on the U.S. by countries such as India, Mexico, Brazil, China, Canada, and the European Union, calling them “very unfair” and labeling India the “Tariff King.” Following his remarks, the White House released a comparative analysis highlighting that the U.S.'s average Most-Favoured-Nation (MFN) tariff stood at around 5%, whereas India’s was significantly higher at approximately 39%.
In response, Union Minister Piyush Goyal is visiting the U.S. this week to discuss the reciprocal tariff structure. He will seek clarifications on the new tariffs and assess their potential impact on India. As part of his visit, he is scheduled to meet with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to ease trade tensions. To develop a more balanced trade relationship, India has already taken steps to address U.S. concerns. These include reducing tariffs on high-end motorcycles from 50% to 30% and cutting duties on bourbon whiskey from 150% to 100%. These measures aim to demonstrate India’s commitment to resolving trade disputes and strengthening bilateral ties.
A Few Good Reads
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Sriparna Pathak and Rakshith Shetty state that "India and its allies need to counter Beijing’s long-game playbook" in breaking China's dominance over the critical minerals supply chain.
Rahul Matthan highlights that "data-rich insurance models could fail beyond a point" by potentially undermining the fundamental principle of risk pooling.
Shweta Rajpal Kohli emphasises how strategic deregulation and regulatory oversight can drive innovation and growth, particularly in the fintech sector.